AUSTIN, TX- For most of our SXSW artist coverage, we’ll keep it relatively short and sweet. We have over 80 artists to cover, so cut us some slack! 😉 We’ll basically be formatting each post into two parts: (1) Why our contributor wanted to see this act and (2) what our contributor thought of the performance”. Easy peasy. If you want to learn more about the act, make sure you click through to their social media links to get in the know. You won’t be disappointed!

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Why I Wanted To See Our Girl: Last year at SXSW, a British band that I became particularly fond of was The Big Moon. When I found out that their guitarist, Soph Nathan, was stepping out with a solo project, I was immediately intrigued, and searched the interwebs to listen to some of their newly recorded music. After I listened to their self titled singled, I made it a point to put them on my list of bands to check out at SXSW, specifically their first gig ever (I think) in the United States at Latitude 30.

What I Thought Of Our Girl’s Performance: I love seeing a band member in a band do their own thing and step up into the spotlight. The Big Moon is Juliette Jackson’s baby, and while Soph does backing vocals in The Big Moon, her musicality is limited to that of a more supporting role. Our Girl is Soph’s baby, and she absolutely shines in Our Girl’s grungy, pop-infused, garage-rock sonics.

There a soothing melancholy in Soph’s voice that I would have never noticed before if not for Our Girl. There’s a dreamy tone and timbre to it, and when it’s paired with the fuzzy licks she strums on her axe, it’s a sound that will have you not only swaying rhythmically back and forth but also banging your head to every down beat.

Even with the late start time (midnight), Our Girl’s big sound (which is filled out by Lauren Wilson on drums and Josh Tyler on bass) was the perfect way to finish off my first day at SXSW.

Derrick K. Lee is a music attorney, blogger, concert photographer and co-owner and music editor of Blurred Culture. He goes to a lot of shows and sometimes he writes good. Music is his boo.
For prints and/or approvals for special uses of any photo taken by Derrick, please contact him directly.